According to Hindu scripture, #MahaShivratri marks the day when Lord Shiva performed the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction, known as the Tandava. It's also believed to be the night when Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati.
Devotees believe that worshipping Lord Shiva on this night can help them overcome darkness and ignorance in their lives. It's a night of introspection and prayer, where devotees seek blessings for health, wealth, and spiritual growth. Across India, Maha Shivratri is celebrated with great fervor. Temples are decorated, and special prayers and ceremonies are held. In some regions, processions and cultural performances are also organized.
Devotees observe strict fasting and stay awake all night, engaging in meditation, chanting mantras, and performing rituals. This is seen as a way to purify the mind and body. All should chant the powerful "Om Namah Shivaya" mantra throughout the night. This mantra is believed to invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva and bring peace and prosperity...visit Shiva temples, where special prayers and rituals are conducted. Temples are often beautifully decorated, and devotees participate in the ceremonies with great devotion...read or listen to the Shiva Purana and other scriptures that narrate the legends and glories of Lord Shiva.
#Bilva (or Bel) leaves are considered sacred and are offered to the Shiva Lingam. The trifoliate leaves symbolize the three eyes of Lord Shiva and are believed to have cooling properties. Perform Abhisheka using various sacred substances like milk, honey, yogurt, ghee, sugar, and water. Each substance has a symbolic meaning.
Each substance used in the Abhishekam of the Shiva Lingam carries its own symbolic meaning and significance:
Milk: Represents purity and is believed to bring piousness and calmness to the mind.
Honey: Symbolizes the sweetness and richness of life. It's believed to attract prosperity and wealth.
Yogurt (Curd): Represents prosperity, nourishment, and fertility. It is also seen as a symbol of strength and virility.
Ghee: Symbolizes the removal of impurities and enlightenment of the soul. It is also considered to bring blessings for a healthy and long life.
Sugar: Represents sweetness and happiness in life. It is believed to purify and cleanse the mind.
Water: Represents the elixir of life and is used to purify and cleanse the Shiva Lingam.
Each of these substances is offered with devotion and care, and they are believed to invoke specific blessings and benefits from Lord Shiva.
The Shiva Tandav, also known as the Tandava Nritya, is a vigorous dance performed by Lord Shiva. It is a dance of cosmic energy that represents creation, preservation, and destruction of the universe. The Tandava is often depicted as the dance of divine bliss and is said to manifest the five activities of Shiva: creation (Srishti), preservation (Sthiti), destruction (Samhara), concealment (Tirobhava), and grace (Anugraha).
The most famous literary work that describes this dance is the "Shiva Tandava Stotram," a hymn believed to be composed by Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. This hymn is a beautiful and rhythmic ode to the fierce and majestic dance of Lord Shiva.
Here are a few key aspects of the Shiva Tandav:
Cosmic Dance: The Tandava is considered a powerful expression of Lord Shiva's energy, and it symbolizes the rhythmic cycles of creation and destruction.
Nataraja: In his form as Nataraja (the King of Dance), Lord Shiva is depicted with one leg raised and the other crushing the demon of ignorance, symbolizing the victory of knowledge over ignorance.
Spiritual Significance: The Tandava is not just a physical dance but also a representation of the flow of energy in the universe. It is believed to inspire devotees to seek a balance between the material and spiritual worlds.
Symbolic Elements: The dance includes various symbolic elements, such as the drum (Damaru) representing the sound of creation, the fire (Agni) symbolizing destruction, and the Abhaya Mudra (gesture of fearlessness) indicating protection and peace.
The Shiva Tandav is a captivating and awe-inspiring aspect of Lord Shiva's mythology and holds deep spiritual significance for his devotees.
Jagaran is vital aspect of Mahashivratri celebaration ..staying awake all night, engaging in prayers, chanting mantras, and meditating.
प्रभुं प्राणनाथं विभुं विश्वनाथं जगन्नाथनाथं सदानन्दभाजम् ।
भवद्भव्यभूतेश्वरं भूतनाथं शिवं शङ्करं शम्भुमीशानमीडे ॥
गले रुण्डमालं तनौ सर्पजालं महाकालकालं गणेशाधिपालम् ।
जटाजूटगङ्गोत्तरङ्गैर्विशालं शिवं शङ्करं शम्भुमीशानमीडे ॥
मुदामाकरं मण्डनं मण्डयन्तं महामण्डलं भस्मभूषाधरं तम् ।
अनादिह्यपारं महामोहहारं शिवं शङ्करं शम्भुमीशानमीडे ॥
